Methods and systems for increasing a density of a region of a vascular device

ABSTRACT

A vascular device is provided that includes a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members. The structure has (i) a first, collapsed configuration, (ii) a second, expanded configuration, and (iii) a density of the plurality of members. The vascular device further includes an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure, the region having a proximal end and a distal end. The Elastic member is configured to increase the density within the region by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure is in the second configuration.

BACKGROUND

Lumens in a patient's body can change in size, shape, and/or patency, and such changes can present complications or affect associated bodily functions. For example, the walls of the vasculature, particularly arterial walls, may develop a pathological dilatation, commonly called an aneurysm. Aneurysms are observed as a ballooning-out of the wall of an artery. This is a result of the vessel wall being weakened by disease, injury, or a congenital abnormality. Aneurysms have thin, weak walls and have a tendency to rupture and are often caused or made worse by high blood pressure. Aneurysms can be found in different parts of the body; the most common being abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and the brain or cerebral aneurysms. The mere presence of an aneurysm is not always life-threatening, but an aneurysm can have serious health consequences such as a stroke if one should rupture in the brain. Additionally, a ruptured aneurysm can also result in death.

SUMMARY

The subject technology is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below. Various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples, and do not limit the subject technology. It is noted that any of the dependent clauses may be combined in any combination, and placed into a respective independent clause, e.g., clause 1 and 21. The other clauses can be presented in a similar manner.

1. A vascular device, comprising:

-   -   a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members, the         structure having (i) a first, collapsed configuration, (ii) a         second, expanded configuration, and (iii) a density of the         plurality of members; and     -   an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure, the         region having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the         elastic member is configured to increase the density within the         region by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends         of the region toward the other of the proximal and distal ends         when the structure is in the second configuration.

2. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the plurality of spaced members are substantially uniformly spaced.

3. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the structure comprises braided strands.

4. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the structure comprises a cut metal tube.

5. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the structure comprises a tubular stent.

6. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein, when the structure is in the second configuration, the density within the region is higher than in at least one other portion of the structure.

7. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein, when the structure is in the second configuration, the density within the region is higher than in an adjacent portion of the structure.

8. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein, when the structure is in the second configuration, the density within the region is higher than in any other portion of the structure.

9. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the elastic member decreases the length of the region by about 10%-40%.

10. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the elastic member decreases the length of the region by about 40%-80%.

11. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the elastic member comprises an elongate member that is substantially disposed on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the structure.

12. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the members form a wall of the structure and the elastic member comprises an elongate member that extends along the wall within the region in a zig-zag pattern.

13. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein a distal portion of the elastic member wraps around a portion of the first member.

14. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the elastic member comprises an enlarged distal end configured to be attached to a portion of the structure.

15. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein a distal portion of the elastic member is interwoven with a proximal portion of the elastic member.

16. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic film disposed on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the structure.

17. The vascular device of clause 16, wherein the elastic film comprises a plurality of pores configured to permit blood to flow therethrough.

18. The vascular device of clause 16, wherein the elastic film is configured to allow tissue overgrowth thereon.

19. The vascular device of clause 16, wherein the elastic film forms a substantially cylindrical shape.

20. The vascular device of clause 16, wherein the elastic film forms a strip.

21. The vascular device of clause 16, wherein the elastic film is adhered to a portion of the structure within the region.

22. The vascular device of clause 1, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic junction extending between intersecting members at an intersection of the members.

23. The vascular device of clause 22, wherein the junction comprises an elastic adhesive connecting the intersecting members at the intersection.

24. A method for treating an aneurysm comprising:

-   -   positioning a vascular device in a vessel at an ostium of the         aneurysm, wherein the device comprises:     -   a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members, the         structure having a density of the plurality of members; and     -   an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure, the         region having a proximal end and a distal end;     -   expanding the device from a collapsed configuration to an         expanded configuration by proximally withdrawing, relative to         the device, an outer sheath surrounding the device;     -   increasing the density within the region by drawing, with the         elastic member, at least one of the proximal and distal ends of         the region toward the other of the proximal and distal ends as         the structure expands to the expanded configuration.

25. The method of clause 24, wherein the plurality of spaced members are substantially uniformly spaced.

26. The method of clause 24, wherein the positioning comprises offsetting the region from the ostium of the aneurysm prior to expanding the device.

27. The method of clause 24, further comprising repositioning the device to center the region along a length of the ostium of the aneurysm while expanding the device.

28. The method of clause 24, wherein the members form a structure wall and the elastic member comprises an elongate member that extends along the wall within the region in a zig-zag pattern.

29. The method of clause 24, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic film disposed on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the structure.

30. The vascular device of clause 24, wherein the elastic member comprises an elastic junction extending between intersecting members at an intersection of the members.

31. The vascular device of clause 30, wherein the junction comprises an elastic adhesive connecting the intersecting members at the intersection.

32. The method of clause 24, wherein the increasing the density of the region comprises reducing a density of at least one of a distal portion or a proximal portion of the structure.

33. The method of clause 24, wherein the increasing the density of the region comprises moving at least one of a distal end and a proximal end of the structure toward the region.

34. The method of clause 24, wherein the increasing the density of the region comprises making the region more dense than at least one other portion of the structure.

35. The method of clause 24, wherein the increasing the density of the region comprises making the region more dense than an adjacent portion of the structure.

36. The method of clause 24, wherein the increasing the density of the region comprises making the region more dense than any other portion of the structure.

It is understood that other configurations of the subject technology will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of illustration. As will be realized, the subject technology is capable of other and different configurations and its several details are capable of modification in various other respects, all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The medical devices of the subject technology occlude blood flow into an aneurysm consistently and reliably, to thereby prevent or reduce likelihood of aneurysm ruptures. The medical devices include a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members and an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure. The elastic member is configured to increase the density (decrease the porosity) of the structure by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region toward the other. Accordingly, deployment of the medical device reduces or stops the blood flow into the aneurysm, thereby allowing the blood within the aneurysm to begin to stagnate. Stagnation of blood, as opposed to continuous flow through a fundus of the aneurysm, results in thrombosis in the aneurysm, which also helps protect the aneurysm from rupturing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1A depicts a side view of a medical device.

FIG. 1B depicts a side view of a medical device with an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 2A depicts a partial cross section of a medical device and an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 2B depicts a partial cross section of a medical device and an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of a distal portion of an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of a medical device with an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 5 depicts a proximal and distal portion of an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a medical device with an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 7A depicts an elastic junction at rest, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 7B depicts an elastic junction in a stretched configuration, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric cut away of a medical device with an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric cut away of a medical device with an elastic member, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 10 depicts a cross section view of a medical device and a delivery system, according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross section view of a vessel and delivery of a medical device according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 12 depicts a cross section view of a vessel and delivery of a medical device according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 13 depicts a cross section view of a vessel and delivery of a medical device according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

FIG. 14 depicts a cross section view of a vessel and delivery of a medical device according to some embodiments of the subject technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. The appended drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject technology. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology.

Aneurysms may be located, for example, along vessel side walls. A neck of an aneurysm typically defines an opening of between about 2 to 25 mm in length, though other sizes and ranges are also possible. The neck connects an anatomical lumen to a fundus of the aneurysm. In some embodiments, “vessel” or “lumen” may refer to blood vessels (including arteries and veins) or other suitable body organs having a lumen, such as the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum), bile ducts, urinary bladder, ureter, urethra, trachea, bronchi, and the like. Blood flow within the anatomical lumen is channeled through the neck and into the fundus. In response to the constant blood flow into the fundus of the aneurysm, the wall of the aneurysm continues to distend and presents a significant risk of rupturing. When the blood within the aneurysm causes pressure against the wall of the aneurysm that exceeds the wall strength, the aneurysm ruptures.

Reduction of blood flow to or within the aneurysm results in a reduction in force against the wall of the aneurysm and a corresponding reduction in the risk of rupturing. Conventionally, a reduction of the force and volume of blood entering the aneurysm may be accomplished by an occluding device. FIG. 1A depicts a conventional occluding device as known in the prior art. The conventional occluding device may be dependent on a physician's skill during deployment, to ensure that a desired density (porosity) is attained at the neck of the aneurysm. If the density is too low (porosity too high) at the neck, then the occluding device will fail in sufficiently reducing the blood flow into the fundus. The density of the conventional occluding device may be increased by applying a longitudinally compressive force to a proximal portion of the occluding device towards the direction of a distal portion. Because the density of the occluding device may be modified by application of the compressive force, achieving the desired density (porosity) consistently and reliably is heavily dependant on physician skill.

The medical devices of the subject technology solves some or all of the foregoing problems by occluding blood flow into the aneurysm consistently and reliably, to thereby prevent or reduce likelihood of aneurysm ruptures. The medical devices include a mesh structure formed of a plurality of spaced members and an elastic member disposed along a region of the structure. The elastic member is configured to increase the density (decrease the porosity) of the structure by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region toward the other. Accordingly, deployment of the medical device reduces or stops the blood flow into the aneurysm, thereby allowing the blood within the aneurysm to begin to stagnate. Stagnation of blood, as opposed to continuous flow through a fundus of the aneurysm, results in thrombosis in the aneurysm, which also helps protect the aneurysm from rupturing.

FIG. 1B depicts a medical device 100 with an elastic member 103, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. The medical device 100 includes a mesh structure 101 formed of a plurality of spaced members 102 and an elastic member 103 disposed along a region of the structure 101. As shown in FIG. 1B, in one aspect, the plurality of spaced members 102 may be substantially uniformly spaced from each other. The medical device 100 may be characterized as a vascular occluding device and/or a pipeline embolization device.

The structure 101 is configured to be axially shortened during and/or after diametrical expansion, with an associated increase in a density (decrease in porosity) of the structure 101 as a result of the axial shortening. The structure 101 may be a self-expanding stent made of two or more round or ovoid wire filaments 102. Accordingly, the structure 101 has a first, collapsed configuration, and a second, expanded configuration. The filaments 102 may be formed of known flexible materials including shape memory materials such as nitinol, platinum and stainless steel. The structure 101 may be fabricated from platinum/8% tungsten and 35N LT (cobalt nickel alloy, which is a low titanium version of MP35N alloy) alloy wires. In other embodiments, one or more of the filaments 102 can be formed of a biocompatible metal material or a biocompatible polymer. The filaments 102 may be braided into a resulting lattice-like structure. In at least one embodiment, during braiding or winding of the structure 101, the filaments 102 may be loosely braided in a 1-over-2-under-2 braiding pattern. In other embodiments, however, other methods of braiding may be followed, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Alternatively, the structure 101 may be formed, for example, by laser cutting a pre-formed tube or sheet, by interconnecting a multitude of members 102 by laser welding, or by other suitable methods such as electrochemical etching, grinding, piercing, electroforming, or other means. In another example, the structure 101 may comprise a tubular stent.

The structure 101 has a density (porosity) configured to reduce haemodynamic flow into, for example, an aneurysm. The density of the structure 101, determined by the plurality of members 102, may be adjusted by axially shortening the structure 101. The ends of the structure 101 may be cut to length and therefore remain free for radial expansion and contraction. The structure 101 may exhibit a high degree of flexibility due to the materials used, the density of the structure 101, and the fact that the ends are not secured.

The elastic member 103 may comprise a material having elastic properties capable of being elongated, stretched or deformed and having a restoring force capable of returning the elastic member 103 to its original state.

The elastic member 103 may be disposed along a region 104 of the structure 101. A proximal end of the region 104 may be defined by a first member 106A of the plurality of members 102 and a distal end of the region 104 may be defined by a second member 106B of the plurality of members 102. In one aspect, because the structure 101 may be formed of braided filaments 102, the first member 106A may comprise a proximal portion of a filament and the second member 106B may comprise a distal portion of the same filament. In other words, the first and second members 106A, 106B may comprise different portions of the same member 102. The elastic member may extend between the first and second members 106A, 106B to thereby increase the density within the region 104 by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region 104 toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure 101 is in the second, expanded configuration. By drawing the proximal and distal ends of the region 104 toward the other, the axial length of the region 104 is shortened, thereby increasing the density of the region 104. For example, the elastic member 103 may decrease the axial length of the region 104 by about 10%-40% for some applications, and about 40%-80% in other applications. For example, if it is desired to provide minimal blood flow into an aneurysm sac, the elastic member 103 may be configured to decrease the axial length of the region 104 by about 10%-40%. On the other hand, if it is desired to have a highly dense region 104 to substantially prevent blood flow into an aneurysm sac, the elastic member 103 may be configured to decrease the axial length of the region 104 by about 40%-80%.

In one aspect, the elastic member 103 may decrease the axial length of the region 104 without substantially changing the diameter of the structure 101. For example, the elastic member 103 may decrease the axial length of the region 104 between about 10% and about 40% while the diameter of the structure 101 changes by less than about 2% for a decrease in axial length of about 10% and less than about 8% for a decrease in axial length of about 40%. In one aspect, the medical devices 100 may be configured with regions 104 having different axial lengths. A physician may select the appropriate medical device 100 based on a size of the neck of the aneurysm and the axial length of the region 104.

When the structure 101 is in the second, expanded configuration, the elastic member 103 causes the density within the region 104 to be higher than a density in the proximal portion 105A and/or the distal portion 105B of the structure 101. In one aspect, the elastic member 103 causes the density within the region 104 to be higher than a density in an adjacent portion of the structure 101. In another aspect, the elastic member 103 causes the density within the region 104 to be higher than a density in any other portion of the structure 101.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in one example, the elastic member 103 may comprise an elongate member 103A that is substantially disposed on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the structure 101. As stated above, the elongate member 103A may extend between the first and second members 106A, 106B to thereby increase the density within the region 104 by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region 104 toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure 101 is in the second, expanded configuration.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict a partial cross section of the medical device 100 and the elastic member 103A, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. Each distal portion of the elongate member 103A may be wound or wrapped around a portion of the first member 106A or the second member 106B. In one aspect, the distal portions of the elongate member 103A are wound around the first or second members 106A, 106B and then attached to a portion of the elongate member 103A by, for example, heat fusion. In another aspect, the distal portions of the elongate member 103A are wound around the first or second members 106A, 106B and then attached to the structure 101 by, for example, heat fusion.

FIG. 3 depicts a distal portion of the elastic member 103A, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. To facilitate the bonding of the distal portions with the portion of the elongate member 103A or the structure 101, the elongate member 103A may comprise an enlarged distal end 107. The enlarged distal end 107 may be configured to be attached to a portion of the elongate member 103A or the structure 101 by having sufficient contact area to permit a strong fusion bond.

Referring to FIG. 1B, in one aspect, the medical device 100 may comprise two or more elongate members 103A. For example, the elongate members 103A may be disposed circumferentially around the structure 101. The elongate members 103A may be equally spaced or clustered at a particular area of the structure 101. For example, two or more elongate members 103A may be disposed on an upper half of the structure, while a lower half has one or less elongate member 103A. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that any number of elongate members 103A may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts the medical device 100 with an elastic member 103B, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. The members 102 form a wall of the structure 101. In this example, the elastic member 103 may comprise an elongate member 103B that extends along the wall within the region 104 in a zig-zag pattern. For example, the elongate member 103B may extend between the first and second members 106A, 106B and alternate between the second and a third member 106B, 106C. The elongate member 103B may continue to alternate circumferentially around the structure 101 in a zig-zag pattern until it contacts the first member 106A. In one aspect, because the structure 101 may be formed of braided filaments 102, the first member 106A may comprise a proximal portion of a filament, the second member 106B may comprise an intermediate portion of the same filament, and the third member 106C may comprise a distal portion of the same filament. In other words, the first, second, and third members 106A, 106B, 106C may comprise different portions of the same member 102. The zig-zag elongate member 103B increases the density within the region 104 by drawing at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region 104 toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure 101 is in the second, expanded configuration.

The elongate member 103E may be wound or wrapped around a portion of the corresponding member 106A, 106B, 106C. In one example, the distal portion of the elongate member 103B are wound around the corresponding member 106A, 106B, 106C and then attached to a portion of the elongate member 103B by, for example, heat fusion. In another example, the distal portion of the elongate member 103B may be wound around the corresponding member 106A, 106B, 106C and then attached to the structure 101 by, for example, heat fusion.

FIG. 5 depicts a proximal and distal portion of the elastic member 103B, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. The distal portion of the elongate member 103B may be interwoven with a proximal portion of the elongate member 103B. In this example, the ends of the elongate member 103E may be interweaved with one another and secured to each other using heat fusion, adhesives, or other means.

FIG. 6 depicts the medical device 100 with an elastic member 103C, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. In this example, the elastic member 103 may comprise an elastic junction 103C extending between intersecting members 109A, 109B at an intersection 108 of the members 102. The elastic junction 103C may comprise an elastic adhesive that connects the intersecting members 109A, 109B and is disposed at the intersection 108. The elastic adhesive may be silicone, polyurethane, or other materials having highly elastic mechanical properties. The elastic junction 103C may be disposed at multiple intersections 108, thereby defining the region 104.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the elastic junction 103C at rest and in a stretched configuration, respectively, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. The elastic junctions 103C increase the density within the region 104 by shortening the axial length of the region 104 due to an elastic force of each elastic junction 103C. For example, at rest, each elastic junction 103C is configured to pull the intersecting members 109A, 109B toward each other. When the intersecting members 109A, 109B are stretched or pulled apart, the elastic junction 103C is configured to pull the intersecting members 109A, 109B toward each other. Accordingly, when the medical device 100 is in collapsed configuration, the elastic junction 103C is in the stretched configuration, as shown in FIG. 7B. When the medical device is in the expanded configuration, the elastic junction 103C is substantially at rest.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict the medical device 100 with an elastic member 103D, according to some embodiments of the subject technology. In this example, the elastic member 103 may comprise an elastic film 103D. The elastic film 103D may comprise silicone, polyurethane or other materials having highly elastic mechanical properties. The elastic film 103D may be disposed on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the structure 101, the area of the structure 101 covered by the elastic film 103D thereby being the region 104. In one example, the elastic film 103D may be applied to both, the inside surface of the structure 101 and the outside surface of the structure 101. In one aspect, the elastic film 103D may comprise a plurality of pores configured to permit blood to flow therethrough. For example, each pore of the plurality of pores may have a diameter of about 70-200 μm. In another aspect, the elastic film 103D may be configured to prevent blood to flow therethrough. In yet another aspect, the elastic film 103D may be configured to allow or facilitate tissue overgrowth thereon.

The elastic film 103D may be applied circumferentially along the region 104 of the structure 101, thereby forming a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 9, the elastic film 103D may be applied to a portion of the region 104 of the structure 101, thereby forming a strip or a semi-cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis of the structure 101.

In another aspect, the elastic film 103D may be adhered to the structure 101 within the region 104 over a portion or all of its axial length and/or a portion or all of its circumference. The elastic film 103D increases the density within the region 104 by shortening the axial length of the region 104 due to an elastic force of elastic film 103D. The elastic film 103D is applied to the region 104 when the medical device 100 is in the expanded configuration, such that the elastic film 103D is in a stretched configuration when the medical device 100 is in the collapsed configuration.

Radiopaque markers may be located adjacent the proximal or distal portions 105A, 105B or both, and may be located at any position along the length of the medical device 100 between a proximal and distal end of the medical device 100, including the region 104. The markers may be attached to the medical device 100 by techniques such as adhesives, heat fusion, interference fit, fasteners, intermediate members, coatings, or by other techniques.

In some embodiments, the markers are comprised of ultrasonic markers, MRI safe markers, or other markers. In some embodiments ultrasonic markers permit a physician to accurately determine the position of the medical device 100 within a patient under ultrasonic visualization. Materials for an ultrasonic marker have an acoustical density sufficiently different from the medical device 100 to provide suitable visualization via ultrasonic techniques. Exemplary materials comprise polymers, metals such as tantalum, platinum, gold, tungsten and alloys of such metals, hollow glass spheres or microspheres, and other materials.

In some embodiments, MRI safe markers permit a physician to accurately determine the position of the medical device 100 within a patient under magnetic resonance imaging. Exemplary materials for making MRI safe marker have a magnetic signature sufficiently different from the medical device 100 to provide suitable visualization via MRI techniques. Exemplary materials comprise polymers, metals such as tantalum, platinum, gold, tungsten and alloys of such metals, non-ferrous materials, and other materials.

A technique for treating an aneurysm will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 10-14. Referring to FIG. 10, the medical device 100 may be delivered into a treatment site using a delivery system 200. The delivery system 200 may include an outer sheath 201 and an inner tube 202. The medical device 100 may be disposed and confined within an annular space between the outer sheath 201 and the inner tube 202, in the first, collapsed configuration.

The medical device 100 and the inner tube 202 may be cooperatively movable within the outer sheath 201 in order to deliver the medical device 100 to a treatment site, such as an aneurysm, within the vasculature of a patient.

The outer sheath 201 may be configured to be introduced and advanced through the vasculature of the patient. The outer sheath 201 may be made from various thermoplastics, e.g., PTFE, FEP, HDPE, PEEK, etc., which may optionally be lined on the inner surface of the outer sheath 201 or an adjacent surface with a hydrophilic material such as PVP or some other plastic coating. Additionally, either surface may be coated with various combinations of different materials, depending upon the desired results.

The inner tube 202 includes a guide wire lumen 203 for providing a guide wire to extend therethrough. The inner tube 202 also has a reduced diameter at a distal region 204 to provide sufficient annular space in which the medical device 100 is stowed.

Radiopaque markers may be provided at various locations along the length of the delivery system 200. For example, an enlarged distal tip 206 of the inner tube 202 may be radiopaque. In another example, radiopaque markers may be provided on the reduced diameter distal region 204 of the inner tube 202, beneath the distal and proximal ends of the medical device 100. In yet another example, a radiopaque marker 205 may be disposed on the inner tube 202 adjacent to a longitudinal center of the region 104.

Based on the axial length of the region 104 and a length of a neck of the aneurysm, the medical device 100 is selected such that the axial length of the region 104, when the medical device 100 is in the second, expanded configuration, is longer than the length of the neck of the aneurysm. Referring to FIG. 11, the delivery system 200 is advanced percutaneously over a guidewire 207 to the treatment site, in this example to the site of the aneurysm 310. Specifically, the medical device 100 may be positioned in the vessel 300 at an ostium or the neck of the aneurysm 310. In one aspect, the radiopaque marker 205 may be positioned distal to a distal lateral wall of the aneurysm 310, thereby offsetting the region 104 from the ostium of the aneurysm 310 prior to expanding the medical device 100.

Referring to FIG. 12, after navigating the delivery system 200 to the treatment site within the patient, the medical device 100 may be deployed from the outer sheath 201 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the outer sheath 201 is withdrawn proximally while maintaining the position of the inner tube 202 to thereby expose a distal portion of the inner tube 202 and the medical device 100. Upon exiting the outer sheath 201, the portion of the medical device 100 that is not situated between the outer sheath 201 and the inner tube 202 begins to simultaneously axially shorten and radially self expand until the medical device 100 contacts the luminal wall of the vessel 300.

The outer sheath 201 is only withdrawn until a distal end of outer sheath 201 is axially aligned with the radiopaque marker 205. The elastic member 103 maintains the density within the region 104 during expansion of the medical device 100 such that the density within the region 104 is higher then the density in the distal portion 105B or an adjacent portion of the structure 101.

Referring to FIG. 13, the delivery system 200 is withdrawn proximally until the radiopaque marker 205 is centered along the length of the ostium or neck of the aneurysm 310. In other words, after the medical device 100 has been repositioned such that the region 104 is centered along the length of the ostium, the region 104 will cover the ostium or neck of the aneurysm 310 when the medical device 100 is in the second, expanded configuration. Accordingly, even though the density of the region 104 may be reduced when the medical device is in the first, collapsed configuration (due to stretching of the medical device 100), the elastic member 103 causes the region 104 to achieve a density that is higher than a density of other portions of the structure 101 after the medical device 100 is in the second, expanded configuration.

As discussed above and in reference to FIG. 1, the elastic member 103 increases the density within the region 104 by drawing, with the elastic member 103, at least one of the proximal and distal ends of the region 104 toward the other of the proximal and distal ends when the structure 101 is in the expanded configuration. In another aspect, the elastic member 103 may cause the axial length of the region to be shortened (thereby increasing the density of the region 104), by reducing the density of adjacent portions of the structure 101. For example, the elastic member 103 may reduce the density of the proximal or distal regions 105A, 105B of the structure 101 by elongating the proximal or distal regions 105A, 105E due to movement of the proximal or distal regions 105A, 105B towards the region 104. In this example, a proximal or distal end of the structure 101 would be anchored against the inner wall of the vessel 300 and thus, movement of the proximal or distal regions 105A, 105B toward the region 104 causes the proximal or distal regions 105A, 105B to elongate, thereby reducing the density of the proximal or distal regions 105A, 105B.

In another aspect, the elastic member 103 may increase the density within the region 104 by moving at least one of the distal end and the proximal end of the structure 101 toward the region.

The elastic member 103 thereby causes the region 104 to return to a pre-programmed density regardless of the endless variety of physician induced movements that can occur during the deployment of the medical device 100. Stated another way, the density of the region 104 is relatively insensitive to physician applied motions during deployment of the medical device 100.

Referring to FIG. 14, the outer sheath 201 may then be further withdrawn proximally to expose the medical device 100 and allow the medical device 100 to fully deploy. Once the entire medical device 100 is expanded, the outer sheath 201 and the inner tube 202 may be withdrawn from the body.

The region 104 of the medical device 100 has a significantly higher density compared to other portions of the structure 101. Due to the higher density of the region 104, less blood flows into the aneurysm 310 such that substantial thrombosis may occur within the aneurysm 310.

In one arrangement, the medical device 100 may be comprised of metal, polymer, ceramic, permanent enduring materials, and may comprise either of or both of non-bioabsorbable and bioabsorbable materials. Exemplary materials include, but are not limited to, NITINOL®, stainless steel, cobalt chromium alloys, Elgiloy, magnesium alloys, polylactic acid, poly glycolic acid, poly ester amide (PEA), poly ester urethane (PEU), amino acid based bioanalogous polymers, tungsten, tantalum, platinum, polymers, bio-polymers, ceramics, bio-ceramics, or metallic glasses. Part or all of the medical device may elute over time substances such as drugs, biologics, gene therapies, antithrombotics, coagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunomodulator drugs, anti-proliferatives, migration inhibitors, extracellular matrix modulators, healing promoters, re-endothelialization promoters, or other materials. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may be formed from materials having shape memory properties. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may be finished by processes to remove slag. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may be subjected to a tempering treatment at temperatures customarily applied to the material so that the impressed structure is permanently established.

The medical device 100 may have various lengths and diameters. For example, the medical device 100 may have specific cross-sectional diameters, the diameters being measured when the medical device 100 is fully free to expand, ranging from about 2 mm to about 6 mm. If the medical device 100 has a diameter between 3 mm and 4 mm, it may be used in size 021 microcatheters. If the medical device 100 has a diameter between 5 mm and 6 mm, it may be used in size 027 microcatheters. However, other suitable cross-sectional diameters may be used without deviating from the scope of the subject technology. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may have lengths, measured proximally to distally along the longitudinal axis of the medical device 100, ranging from 15 mm to 40 mm, though other ranges and sizes are also possible.

Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application. Various components and blocks may be arranged differently (for example, arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The previous description provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (for example, his) include the feminine and neuter gender (for example, her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention.

A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as an “aspect” does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to an aspect may apply to all aspects, or one or more aspects. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an “aspect” may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as a “configuration” does not imply that such configuration is essential to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as a “configuration” may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase “step for.” Furthermore, to the extent that the term “include,” “have,” or the like is used in the description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprise” as “comprise” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A vascular device, comprising: a mesh structure formed of a plurality of filaments, the structure having (i) a first, collapsed configuration, (ii) a second, expanded configuration, and (iii) a density of the plurality of filaments; and a plurality of elastic members disposed along a region of the structure, the region having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a proximalmost end of each of the elastic members is attached to the proximal end of the region and a distalmost end of each of the elastic members is attached to the distal end of the region, and wherein the elastic members (i) are configured to increase the density within the region by drawing the proximal and distal ends of the region toward each other when the structure is in the second configuration, (ii) are configured to decrease an axial length of the region without substantially changing a cross-sectional dimension of the structure when the structure is in the second configuration, and (iii) have a first length in the first configuration and a second length in the second configuration, wherein the second length is shorter than the first length, wherein each of the elastic members comprises a portion and a terminal end, wherein the portion (a) wraps around one of the filaments on a radially inner side and a radially outer side of the one of the filaments, and (b) overlaps and is attached to the terminal end.
 2. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of filaments are substantially uniformly spaced within the region.
 3. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises braided strands.
 4. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a cut metal tube.
 5. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a tubular stent.
 6. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein, when the structure is in the second configuration, the density within the region is higher than in at least one other portion of the structure.
 7. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein, when the structure is in the second configuration, the density within the region is higher than in an adjacent portion of the structure.
 8. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein, when the structure is in the second configuration, the density within the region is higher than in any other portion of the structure.
 9. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the elastic members decrease the length of the region by about 10%-40%.
 10. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the elastic members decrease the length of the region by about 40%-80%.
 11. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein each of the elastic members comprises an elongate member that is substantially disposed on at least one of an outer surface and an inner surface of the structure.
 12. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the filaments form a wall of the structure and the elastic members form an elongate member that extends along the wall within the region in a zig-zag pattern.
 13. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein a distal portion of each of the elastic members wraps around a portion of a first of the plurality of filaments.
 14. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein each of the elastic members comprises an enlarged distal end configured to be attached to a portion of the structure.
 15. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein a distal portion of each of the elastic members is interwoven with a proximal portion of the same elastic member.
 16. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the elastic members comprises an elastic film disposed on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the structure.
 17. The vascular device of claim 16, wherein the elastic film comprises a plurality of pores configured to permit blood to flow therethrough.
 18. The vascular device of claim 16, wherein the elastic film is configured to allow tissue overgrowth thereon.
 19. The vascular device of claim 16, wherein the elastic film forms a substantially cylindrical shape.
 20. The vascular device of claim 16, wherein the elastic film forms a strip.
 21. The vascular device of claim 16, wherein the elastic film is adhered to a portion of the structure within the region.
 22. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein each of the elastic members comprises an elastic junction extending between an intersecting pair of the filaments.
 23. The vascular device of claim 22, wherein the junction comprises an elastic adhesive connecting the intersecting pairs.
 24. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the proximal and distal ends of the region are between and spaced apart from a proximal end of the mesh structure and a distal end of the mesh structure.
 25. The vascular device of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the region is distal to a proximalmost end of the mesh structure, and the distal end of the region is proximal to a distalmost end of the mesh structure. 